SporTech Matter Archived Site

Fish Matter

German activated:

After Monday night’s 5-1 win over the Giants, right-handed reliever Franklyn German was activated off the 15-day disabled list. To make room on the roster, rookie left-handed reliever Renyel Pinto was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

German threw two successful rehab assignments Saturday and Sunday for Class A Jupiter, and Monday was a day he was rested. He will be available if needed Tuesday.

The team wanted to see how German’s right shoulder responded to pitching in back-to-back games.

German went on the disabled list May 10 with shoulder tendinitis.

Another reliever is close to returning from the DL. Right-hander Carlos Martinez is throwing well and could be activated during the upcoming road trip, which begins Friday at Colorado.

Martinez went on the disabled list April 17 with a right elbow sprain.

On Monday, Martinez threw 21 pitches in one inning of an extended spring game. To get the right-hander some more pitches, they put a runner on base even though he didn’t allow a baserunner, just to get extra work.

His velocity was up to 94 mph, where it was before he went on the disabled list.

When Martinez returns, he will be eased into a setup role.

Girardi was asked if Martinez could be activated on the upcoming road trip. The manager replied: “It’s very possible.”

Useless Barroid Bonds Crap:

Before Monday’s game, Barry Bonds spoke about an array of topics from his landmark 715th home run to the NBA playoffs and his thoughts on Girardi.

• Girardi, a former catcher, calls Bonds the greatest player he played against. Bonds on Monday said, “I’m glad [Girardi] had an opportunity to manage. He’s a good dude.”

• Bonds is a fan of several Miami Heat players, including Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Wade and Alonzo Mourning. “I want to see Dwayne Wade win because he’s a talented athlete,” Bonds said. Bonds added he likes the way the Dallas Mavericks play, too.

  He also admires Mourning, who has battled through a kidney transplant.

  “I like Alonzo Mourning as well for all the things he’s gone through,” Bonds said.

[FLORIDAMARLINS]